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Rainfall forecast in parts will be nowhere near enough to repair damage done by the exceptionally dry weather, experts warn.

Groundwater levels in parts of the UK have now sunk to levels not seen for six years, according to the Soil Association.

Head of farming Liz Bowles said: “After the recent dry weather, soil water levels in parts of the UK are now at their lowest since 2011.”

GETTY STOCK IMAGE

The Met Office said the mercury is likely to top 25C (77F) by the middle of next week

We do not generally expect a significant recovery of groundwater levels in the spring or summer

Jamie Hannaford

Jamie Hannaford, principle hydrologist at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, warned they are likely to fall further.

He said despite some rain forecast over the coming days “pressure on water resources” this summer remains a growing threat.

He said: “We do not generally expect a significant recovery of groundwater levels in the spring or summer.

“As evapotranspiration [loss of water from the ground] rates climb steadily, less rainfall makes its way into aquifers, so even if we see normal rainfall amounts going forwards, groundwater levels are likely to continue to recede.

“If this situation persists, it could potentially lead to some localised pressure on water resources in the summer.

“Soils in parts of the UK are currently at the moisture status we would normally see in summer.”

Beautiful UK weather

Thu, November 10, 2016

Not all British weather brings chaos. Take a look at these breathtaking images of early morning sunrises, sunsets and stunning beauty across the UK.